Some eight years ago, a group of travel and tourism journalists and enthusiasts set up the Association of Travel and Tourism Writers of Nigeria (ATTWON). The move was informed by a deep conviction to selflessly galvanise the industry to achieve its vast potential and serve as a major economic hub for the nation.
Registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on June 10, 2016, RC CAC/IT/ No 88082, ATTWON is the first and only association of travel and tourism writers, including photographers, editors, and tourism professionals dedicated to the development of the industry.
At inception, ATTWON saw the need to bring the country’s travel media and tourism industry closer in unity for the positive transformation of the sector while showcasing the tourism potential of the country on the global tourism map.
The association stated this in a statement by its Public Relations Officer Annabel Kufre.
“ATTWON has been promoting responsible journalism and domestic tourism, supporting and developing members, and encouraging the conservation and preservation of travel resources in Nigeria,” the statement added.
ATTWON debunked the claim of exclusive status in the tourism industry that a group, the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET), made for itself in a publication.
“This is contrary to the misleading publication made by the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET), claiming exclusive status as the only registered association for travel and tourism writers. We find it necessary to set the record straight and ensure accurate information is conveyed to the public”, Kufre said.
According to the PRO, it is important to emphasise that ANJET is not, in fact, a registered association for travel and tourism writers.
Kufre challenged ANJET to come out with their certificate of registration with the CAC.
She said, “the claim they make regarding their exclusive registration status lacks any basis in reality. We respectfully request that they provide evidence to substantiate these allegations, as ours is the only verified and recognised association of travel and tourism writers in this sector. We have provided the details of our registration with CAC, let them do the same”.
ATTWON, according to Kufre, is the only officially registered association for travel and tourism writers in Nigeria today. “ATTWON’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, dedication to the industry, and a thriving community of esteemed writers and journalists distinguishes us as the leading authority in this field.
“As the only registered association for travel and tourism writers, ATTWON remains committed to upholding the highest industry standards, fostering professional excellence, and ensuring that our members continue to contribute positively to the growth and promotion of the travel and tourism sector,” the statement said.
It would be recalled that as a way to step up its missions, ATTWON as a media association about six years ago applied and paid for membership in the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) like the other associations.
Kufre expressed dismay that rather than ATTWON being welcomed having met the requirements, the reverse was the case as ANJET opposed the membership approval that two media associations could not be under FTAN.
“FTAN which was established in 1997 by the then Federal Ministry of Commerce and Tourism to ensure smooth operation and cooperation between government agencies and the organized private sector in Nigeria denied ATTWON, the only registered travel and tourism writers association of being a member, but instead continued to recognise an association that is not registered.
“FTAN has multiple associations per sector like the hoteliers, training institutes etc. Even if ANJET were duly registered, Why should there be a monopoly in the media? Is it for the growth and development of the sector or themselves?
“Recently, the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) organised a training tagged ‘Train-the-Trainer Programme’ on Hospitality and Tourism Trade for Tourism and Hospitality trainers, stakeholders and tourism journalists in Lagos.
“Members of the Association of Travel and Tourism Writers of Nigeria (ATTWON) and other independent travel journalists participated in the training. It is shocking shortly after when some members of ANJET wrote a series of articles published both online and in the traditional media organisation that ATTWON is faceless.
“They started writing on various social media platforms condemning NIHOTOUR for organising training for, as they put it, “non travel journalists and fake association members.”
“How can a group of people who have been feeding fat on the stakeholders and government agencies without being registered be so bold and audacious?”, ATTWON image maker asked.
“ATTWON, a duly registered association that has been actively involved in the tourism industry in Nigeria over the years is referred to as fake!
“ATTWON and ANJET members attended the training organized by NIHOTOUR last year in Abuja. Why are they not called fake then?”, the statement added.
For the records, ATTWON has, since 2017, organised various programmes such as, “ATTWON OPEN HOUSE” and “ATTWON TOURISM PARLIAMENT” where major stakeholders have always come together to discuss issues affecting the tourism industry. We have also actively participated in the call for the Tourism Ministry to be separated from the Information Ministry.
